Best Dental Loans in 2024

Personal loan lenders that offer dental financing

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Written by Amanda Push | Edited by Katie Lowery and Emilia Benton | Reviewed on November 29, 2023

Best Egg: Best for high-income earners

8.99% to 35.99%

$2,000 to $50,000

36 to 60 months

0.99% - 8.99%

600

Pros
  • Offers secured and unsecured loans
  • Flexible loan amounts ranging from $2,000 to $50,000
  • No prepayment penalties
Cons
  • Charges an origination fee (0.99% - 8.99%)
  • High income required for lowest interest rate eligibility
  • High maximum APR (35.99%)

What to know

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Consumers with good credit scores and high incomes may be the best fit for a Best Egg dental loan. This is because Best Egg reserves its lowest annual percentage rates (APR) for those with an income of at least $100,000 and credit score above 700.

However, if you don’t have a strong credit score, you may still be able to get a dental loan if you apply for a Best Egg secured loan. Dental loans from this lender can take anywhere from one to three business days to show up in your bank account.

To learn more, read our full Best Egg personal loan review.

  Why we like it: Best Egg offers flexible loan amounts as well as secured loans for those who may not meet this lender’s credit requirements.

How to qualify

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To receive a Best Egg dental loan, you’ll need a credit score of at least 600. You’ll also need to meet the following criteria:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Not live in the following areas: Iowa, Vermont, West Virginia, District of Columbia, U.S. territories
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    LendingClub: Best for joint applications

    8.98% to 35.99%

    $1,000 to $40,000

    24 to 60 months

    3.00% - 8.00%

    600

    Pros
    • Can apply with co-borrower
    • No prepayment penalty
    • Fair-credit borrowers may qualify
    Cons
    • Charges an origination fee (3.00% - 8.00%)
    • High maximum APR (35.99%)
    • Low maximum loan amount ($40,000)

    What to know

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    If you have a low credit score but need a dental loan, you may consider filling out a joint application with LendingClub. Be sure that your co-applicant understands the shared financial and legal responsibility of taking out a joint loan.

    Unfortunately, you will have to pay an origination fee (3.00% - 8.00%) when taking out a LendingClub dental loan, which will be subtracted from your loan balance.

    To learn more, read our full LendingClub personal loan review.

      Why we like it: While some lenders don’t offer the option to apply with a co-borrower, LendingClub allows consumers to submit joint applications for dental loans.

    How to qualify

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    LendingClub doesn’t provide much insight into the criteria they’re looking for in potential borrowers, but they do list several preferred criteria:

  • 600 minimum credit score
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a verifiable bank account
    • See Personalized Results

    LendingPoint: Best for fair-credit borrowers

    7.99% to 35.99%

    $1,000 to $36,500

    24 to 72 months

    Up to 10%

    660

    Pros
    • Fair credit score requirement
    • May receive funds within one business day
    • Considers more than just credit scores
    Cons
    • No option for joint applications
    • Charges an origination fee (Up to 10%)
    • High maximum APR (35.99%)

    What to know

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    If you have a fair credit score and need a dental loan right away, LendingPoint’s credit requirements and quick funding may make it possible for you to get a loan.

    LendingPoint does, however, charge borrowers an origination fee that can get as high as 10.00%. This lender also does not give consumers the option to apply with a cosigner or co-borrower.

    To learn more, read our full LendingPoint personal loan review.

      Why we like it: LendingPoint’s fair credit score requirement (660) helps eliminate some obstacles for borrowers who need a dental loan but don’t have especially strong credit.

    How to qualify

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    To get a dental loan through LendingPoint, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

  • 660 minimum credit score
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Provide a government-issued photo ID
  • Have a Social Security number
  • Have a minimum income of $35,000
  • Have a verifiable bank account
  • Must not live in Nevada or West Virginia
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    LightStream: Best for long-term loans

    User Ratings & Reviews rating-reviews-tooltip-icon

    Ratings and reviews are from real consumers who have used the lending partner’s services.

    User Ratings & Reviews rating-reviews-tooltip-icon

    Ratings and reviews are from real consumers who have used the lending partner’s services.

    9.49% - 25.49% (with autopay)

    $5,000 to $100,000

    24 to 84 months

    No origination fee

    Not specified

    Pros
    • Large loan amounts (up to $100,000)
    • Long repayment terms (24 to 84 months)
    • Doesn’t charge borrowers fees
    Cons
    • No option to prequalify for a loan
    • High minimum loan amount
    • Bad-credit borrowers may not qualify

    What to know

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    With loan amounts as high as $100,000, zero fees and repayment terms as long as 144 months, LightStream may be an attractive option for those with good credit scores.

    However, if you don’t have a good credit score, it may be difficult for you to get approved. LightStream also doesn’t offer prequalification services, so if you want to see if you’re qualified for a LightStream dental loan, you’ll have to submit to a hard credit pull.

    To learn more, read our full LightStream personal loan review.

      Why we like it: With LightStream, borrowers have up to 144 months (longer than what many lenders offer) to repay dental loans without paying any fees.

    How to qualify

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    Lightstream requires that borrowers have good or excellent credit to qualify for a dental loan. You’ll also need to have the following:

  • At least five years of credit history
  • Proof of assets
  • A good debt-to-income ratio
  • A solid payment history
    • See Personalized Results

    SoFi: Best for excellent credit

    8.99% - 29.99% (with discounts)

    Pricing Disclosure

    Fixed rates from 8.99% APR to 29.99% APR reflect the 0.25% autopay interest rate discount and a 0.25% direct deposit interest rate discount. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 02/06/2024 and are subject to change without notice. The average of SoFi Personal Loans funded in 2022 was around $30K. 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 and will depend on the term you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, and a variety of 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 0%-7%, which 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.

    $5,000 - $100,000

    24 to 84 months

    0.00% - 7.00% (optional)

    680

    Pros
    • No required fees
    • Offers same day funding
    • Low maximum APR (29.99%)
    Cons
    • Must have good credit to qualify
    • No option to visit branches
    • High minimum loan amount ($5,000)

    What to know

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    SoFi dental loan customers can potentially skip paying origination fees and only have to pay interest rates up to 29.99%. This lender also offers fast funding and loans as large as $100,000.

    Those with low credit scores may not qualify for a personal loan through SoFi. With a high minimum loan amount of $5,000, SoFi may not be the right fit for borrowers looking to borrow a small personal loan.

    Read our full SoFi personal loan review.

      Why we like it: If you have excellent credit, you may be eligible for a SoFi dental loan. With SoFi, you may have access to competitive interest rates and won’t have to pay any required fees.

    How to qualify

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    SoFi has a minimum credit score of 680, but it also has other criteria consumers will have to meet:

  • Must have employment or have an employment offer starting in 90 days
  • Must have steady income source if not employed
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or non-permanent resident (including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program recipients and asylum-seekers) with documentation verifying your immigration status is current
    • See Personalized Results

    Upgrade: Best for fast funding

    8.49% to 35.99% (with discounts)

    $1,000 to $50,000

    24 to 84 months

    1.85% - 9.99%

    580

    Pros
    • Long loan terms (up to 84 months)
    • Autopay discount available
    • Quick funding (one business day)
    Cons
    • Charges an origination fee (1.85% - 9.99%)
    • High maximum APR (35.99%)
    • Consumers can’t pick monthly due date

    What to know

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    With terms ranging from 24 to 84 months, Upgrade dental loan customers have access to longer repayment periods than with some other lenders. Upgrade’s one-day funding timeline and autopay discount also make this lender a worthy contender for those seeking dental loans.

    On the other hand, Upgrade charges an origination fee that ranges between 1.85% - 9.99% and is subtracted from the balance of your loan. Upgrade’s APR can also get as high as 35.99%.

    Read our full Upgrade personal loan review.

      Why we like it: If you choose to get a dental loan through Upgrade, you may have access to funds as quickly as one business day after accepting your loan offer.

    How to qualify

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    Other than being 18 years old and meeting its credit qualifications, Upgrade is also looking for applicants who meet these requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or immigrant living in the U.S. with valid visa
  • Have a verifiable bank account
  • Have a valid email address
    • See Personalized Results

    Upstart: Best for bad-credit borrowers

    7.80% to 35.99%

    $1,000 to $50,000

    36 and 60 months

    0.00% - 12.00%

    300

    Pros
    • May receive funds within one business day
    • Low minimum credit score requirement
    • Flexible loan amounts ($1,000 to $50,000)

    Cons
    • Limited repayment terms (36 and 60 months)
    • Charges an origination fee (0.00% - 12.00%)
    • High maximum APR (35.99%)

    What to know

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    Upstart offers personal loans online ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 that can be used to finance dental procedures, particularly for bad-credit borrowers. This lender offers fast funding and you may receive your loan funds within one business day after you’ve signed your agreement.

    Keep in mind that Upstart has limited repayment terms — you’ll have to choose between 36 and 60 months — and you may have to pay an origination fee.

    Read our full Upstart personal loan review.

      Why we like it: Upstart’s low minimum credit score requirement (300) may make it easier for bad-credit borrowers to access dental loans.

    How to qualify

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    Upstart requires that applicants have a minimum credit score of 300, but if they don’t, they must be enrolled in or graduated from an eligible post-secondary education program. Applicants must also meet the following requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living in the U.S.
  • Have a verifiable identity, including a Social Security number
  • Have a job, an offer to start a job in six months or have a different source of regular income
  • Have a valid email
  • Have a U.S. address
  • Have a personal banking account
    • See Personalized Results

    What are dental loans?

    A dental loan is really just a personal loan that you can use to pay for dental work. It’s an unsecured loan, meaning there’s no collateral tied to the loan. Because the lender assumes more risk, you can expect interest rates to run higher when compared with a secured loan.

    Typical dental loan terms

    APRUp to 36%
    Repayment term24 to 144 months
    Loan amount$1,000 to $100,000
    Origination feeUp to 12%

    Once approved for a dental loan, you’ll receive your funds in a lump sum. Some lenders can even fund your loan the same day you’re approved. You can use this money to cover dental costs, then make a fixed monthly payment until the loan is paid off.

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    What can you use dental loans for?

    Even with dental insurance, you still may be on the hook for some portion of the total cost, especially if you’re enrolled in a high-deductible plan. Remember: You have to meet your deductible before your coverage kicks in.

    Dental loans can be used for any number of procedures. Here’s a rundown of the most common ones, and their costs.

    Cost for common dental procedures

    ProcedureEstimated cost
    Dental implant• $1,500 to $5,000 for a single dental implant
    Crown• $1,100 to $1,500
    Chipped tooth repair• $100 to $1,500 per tooth
    Dental cleaning• $75 to $200 for a routine dental cleaning
    • $500 to $4,000 for a deep cleaning
    Cavity filling• $50 to $150 for a standard silver filling
    • $90 to $250 for a tooth-colored option
    • $250 to $4,000 for a gold or porcelain filling
    Tooth extraction• $140 to $250 for a simple extraction
    • $250 to $450 for surgical extraction

    How to apply for a dental loan

    1. Check your credit score

    A higher credit score generally translates to a lower APR. A score that’s under 670 will make it difficult to qualify for a competitive APR, and if your score is much lower than that, you may struggle to qualify for a personal loan at all. You can check your credit score for free using LendingTree Spring.

    Getting dental loans for bad credit isn’t necessarily out of the question. Talk with lenders to see if other factors — like your income, employment and a bank account in good standing — could sway the decision in your favor. You can also consider taking out a secured loan or enlisting the help of a cosigner.

    2. Get prequalified

    Once you know your credit score, the next step is to check your estimated APR. Prequalification lets you see potential loan terms with a soft credit pull, which won’t affect your credit score. To get prequalified, you’ll send the lender some basic information, such as your annual income, desired loan amount and loan purpose.

    To assist your search, use LendingTree’s personal loan marketplace. Keep in mind that approval isn’t guaranteed.

    See Personalized Results

     

    3. Shop around and compare lenders

    Getting prequalified through several lenders will help you find the best possible loan for your unique financial situation. Compare each lender based on:

    APR: Your APR is an accurate measure of your cost of borrowing. The lower your APR, the less the loan will cost you in interest and fees.

    Loan amount: Be mindful to borrow only what you need and can reliably repay.

    Loan length: A shorter term means higher monthly payments but lower overall interest charges.

    4. Gather necessary documents

    Once you’ve decided on the best dental loan for you, gather the necessary documents for your formal application, including proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, as well as bank statements from the past few months.

    5. Apply and get funding

    When you’re ready to formally apply with a lender, you’ll submit to a hard credit check, which will affect your credit. With your documentation and credit information, the lender will assess your eligibility for a loan.

    You should have a decision rather quickly, with some lenders approving applications within hours. If approved, you could have your funds within a few business days. With your funds in hand, you can begin planning for your dental procedure.

    Saving money on dental expenses

    Consider in-house dental financing: Many dentists set their own interest rates and may be willing to negotiate in-house financing plans with patients. Ask if you can set up monthly payments directly to your dentist to avoid loans and finance charges altogether. In some cases, this may be a more affordable option than a personal loan.

    Ask for a cash discount: Your dental care costs may be negotiable. For example, you might be able to score a discount if you dip into savings to pay a portion of your procedure with cash.

    Get a second opinion: If you’re facing costly dental work, be sure to weigh all your options so that you’re only getting the procedures you truly need. A good dentist is one who has your best interests at heart.

    Use your FSA benefits: A flexible spending account is an employer-sponsored savings account that lets you use pretax dollars to pay for medical or dental expenses. They’re typically funded with automatic payroll deductions. Just keep in mind that it’s a use-it-or-lose-it account, meaning that money in an FSA does not carry over from year to year.

    Open an HSA: A health savings account is similar to an FSA with some key distinctions. You have to be enrolled in a high-deductible health care plan to qualify, but any money you don’t use at the end of the calendar year rolls over into the next year.

    Dental loans for bad credit

    If your credit score is somewhere in the fair to low range, you may still be able to get a fair- or bad-credit loan to get your teeth fixed. However, keep in mind that you may be stuck with higher interest rates as lenders’ lowest rates typically go to those with good or excellent credit scores.

    If you find yourself in this position, beware of predatory lending practices and scams from lenders that promise quick funding with no credit checks. Look for lenders that offer APRs below 36%.

    You can also work to improve your credit score to increase your chances of getting approved for dental loans and qualifying for lower interest rates.

    Alternatives to dental loans

    Going the dental loan route isn’t a good fit for everyone. If you’re on the fence, consider these alternative options before signing a loan agreement:

    Enroll in a payment plan

    Some dental offices offer payment plans so you can give money directly to your dentist rather than a lender. This option may be especially helpful if you don’t have dental insurance. If you go this route, be sure to shop around and compare prices between local dental offices.

    Use a low APR credit card

    Instead of taking out a loan, you may also consider putting an expensive dental procedure on a low or even 0% intro APR credit card. If you’re able to pay off the balance of the credit card before the introductory period is up, which can go as long as 21 months — you can pay for the procedure without racking up any interest.

    Visit a dental school

    If you’re looking for cheaper dental procedure prices, consider paying a visit to a local dental school, if you live near one. Because those procedures are done by practicing dental students, you may be able to get it done at a lower cost.

    Apply for a medical credit card

    Health and wellness purchases can also be paid for by a medical credit card, such as CareCredit®. More than 260,000 providers in the U.S. accept CareCredit®, but be sure to check with your provider before applying for a card. Also, keep in mind that you may be charged an APR of 29.99% if you don’t pay off your balance before the promotional financing period ends (six, 12, 18 or 24 months).

    Get a dental savings plan

    Some insurance companies offer dental savings plans. This may be a more affordable approach for some consumers as you may be able to avoid paying interest.

    How we chose the best dental loans

    We reviewed more than 28 lenders to determine the overall best seven dental loans. To make our list, lenders must offer competitive annual percentage rates (APRs). From there, we prioritize lenders based on the following factors:

    • Accessibility: Lenders are ranked higher if their personal loans are available to more people and require fewer conditions. This may include lower credit requirements, wider geographic availability, faster funding and easier and more transparent prequalification and application processes.
    • Rates and terms: We prioritize lenders with more competitive fixed rates, fewer fees and greater options for repayment terms, loan amounts and APR discounts.
    • Repayment experience: For starters, we consider each lender’s reputation and business practices. We also favor lenders that report to all major credit bureaus, offer reliable customer service and provide any unique perks to customers, like free wealth coaching.

    Frequently asked questions

    Dental work can be expensive. As a result, many personal loan lenders offer financing options to cover these costs. Dental loans can range anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000, depending on the lender.

     

    Many lenders offer the opportunity to prequalify for a loan so you won’t have to worry about an impact to your credit score before officially applying.

    You may qualify for a personal loan if your credit score is at least 600. However, you may be entitled to better interest rates and terms if you have a credit score that is 670 or higher. The higher your credit score, the better your chances of qualifying for favorable rates.

    Interest rates on dental loans are typically determined by factors such as your credit score, history and income. If you want to get a low interest rate on a dental loan, you can improve your odds of getting approved by working to improve your credit score and practicing healthy financial habits.

    Yes — even if you have a low credit score, you may still be able to find personal loan lenders that are willing to work with you. You will likely have to pay higher interest rates than applicants with good credit, which can cost you more over the life of the loan.

     

    Down the road, if your credit improves, you could refinance your personal loan and, ideally, receive a lower interest rate.

    When applying for a personal loan, lenders will want to verify your contact information, residency, identity and income. You may need to provide pay stubs, W-2s, a government-issued form of identification and a mortgage or rental agreement.

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